Emerging Biological Risks in a Global Context: An Introduction

Adv Food Nutr Res. 2018:86:1-12. doi: 10.1016/bs.afnr.2018.04.001. Epub 2018 May 31.

Abstract

Foodborne diseases are one of the most serious problems in public health and one of the main causes of illness and death. It is estimated that around 600 million cases of gastroenteritis occur worldwide each year. At present, more than 200 foodborne diseases are known, which can cause from mild gastroenteritis to syndromes with a fatal outcome, with the added possibility of chronic complications, and more than 40 agents have been described that can cause foodborne diseases. Some of the most relevant foodborne pathogens are neglected or their impact underestimated such as foodborne viruses and parasites. Most of the foodborne pathogenic microorganisms possess a zoonotic potential with high environmental impact by the intensive animal production, and consequently the environment plays a very important role in their transmission. Consequently, a coordinated approach must be implemented to control emerging foodborne pathogens in primary production (animal health), in the community (human health), and in the environment (environmental health).

Keywords: Biological hazards; Emerging pathogens; Food safety; Global health; ONE HEALTH.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / microbiology*
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / parasitology*
  • Food Safety*
  • Foodborne Diseases
  • Gastroenteritis / epidemiology
  • Gastroenteritis / microbiology
  • Gastroenteritis / parasitology
  • Global Health*
  • Humans
  • One Health
  • Public Health
  • Virus Diseases / epidemiology
  • Virus Diseases / transmission
  • Zoonoses